Among the First Reports of Benjamin Franklin’s Signing of the Preliminary Articles for the Treaty Ending the Revolutionary War

This article from the Connecticut Courant and Weekly Intelligencer reports the news of Benjamin Franklin signing the preliminary articles of the peace treaty in Paris between the United States and Great Britain, that ultimately ended the Revolutionary War and recognizing American independence.

The information was carried across the Atlantic by Captain John Barry of the frigate Alliance, who personally read Franklin’s dispatch confirming the event. Additional reports from Barbados and Dominica described British naval celebrations marking the peace, providing early confirmation that the American Revolution had effectively come to an end.

The preliminary articles of peace between the United States and Great Britain were actually signed on November 30, 1782. This momentous news is reported here on March 4, 1783.

Hit the Full Record below to read the fascinating details of the article.